MacEwan University and Edmonton Public Library (EPL) have jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that builds on the success of their current collaborations and their shared commitment to supporting the well-being of communities.
“MacEwan and EPL are not only significant institutions in downtown Edmonton, but we have shared goals in education, life-long learning, research and community engagement,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, MacEwan’s president and vice-chancellor. “We have worked together for many years to give students research opportunities and valuable work-integrated learning (WIL) placements – but that’s just the start and there is much more we can accomplish. I am excited to see what we will develop.”
Students from MacEwan’s Library and Information Technology Diploma program are participating in WIL opportunities and those field placements are already set to expand. MacEwan Computer Science students also design games for EPL’s interactive screens. Most notably, MacEwan students designed games for the wall at the Stanley A. Milner Public Library. These are all reflections of the commitment both MacEwan and EPL have advanced for immersive learning.
"MacEwan University and its students have made meaningful contributions to EPL’s day-to-day operations, directly enhancing the experience of our customers and the services they rely on,” said Pilar Martinzez, chief executive officer, EPL. “This MOU marks an exciting next step in our partnership, bringing together MacEwan’s academic expertise with EPL’s deep community connections. We’ve already built a strong foundation, and I’m confident we’ll accomplish even more together."
Commitments in the MOU will further enhance WIL opportunities and capstone projects, while focusing on EPL’s strategic priorities of early and digital literacy. There will also be continued efforts to increase EPL memberships among MacEwan faculty and students.
MacEwan is proud of the many current and former students that have ties to EPL, including last year’s EPL Musician in Residence Biboye Onanuga, a graduate of MacEwan’s music program. The current EPL Musician in Residence also has strong ties to MacEwan as Olivia Street teaches in both the Department of Music and Arts and Cultural Management, while also directing the TD Music Artist in Residence Program which supports emerging artists from across Alberta.
This MOU is the latest in a series of agreements MacEwan has signed with prominent organizations in the greater Edmonton region, including the Oilers Entertainment Group, Boyle Street Community Services, the Alberta Motor Association, the Edmonton Elks football team and the Edmonton International Airport.
